Addiction In Emergency Medical Services

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Addiction in the Emergency Medical Services

As Paramedics and EMT's, you serve in one of the most intense professions known to man. We all know it isn't the non-stop, prime- time drama every shift that we see on TV. But in EMS you are faced daily with challenges, atrocities, and extremely stressful situations. You may be in a large urban setting or a rural community; both environments offer their challenges. The types of calls vary from medical emergencies to traumatic injuries. Patients range from elderly to newborn, and everything in between. You encounter people from all walks of life. Shifts are long and hard, and taking proper care of yourself is difficult. Fast food and gas station grills may be your best friend. The only people you …show more content…
But you can do it. Talk to a trusted friend, have them help you seek resources. You may fear losing your job, or your family if you do come forward. While there may be consequences to face, you are guaranteed to lose it all if you continue down the path of addiction. You need help getting out. Don’t function in denial that your profession hasn’t exposed you to traumatic events. No one can do this job and simply walk away unscathed by what they see. You are not weak for needing help. Resources are out there; you just have to be willing to take a chance.
¹Reichard, AA; Marsh, SM; Moore, PH. (2011). Fatal and Nonfatal Injuries Among Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. Prehospital Emergency Care, 15(4), 511-517. http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/10903127.2011.598610
²Reichard, AA; Marsh, SM; Moore, PH. (2011). Fatal and Nonfatal Injuries Among Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. Prehospital Emergency Care, 15(4), 511-517. http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/10903127.2011.598610
³ Brook, B. (2015, October 29). World first: Guideline to manage post-traumatic stress disorder among emergency workers launched in Sydney.
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